Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on
Attack on the Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq, Mr. Salam Z. Al-Zubai

The Secretary-General met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq, Mr. Salam Z. Al-Zubai, yesterday in Baghdad. He was shocked and dismayed to hear that the Deputy Prime Minister had been injured in an assassination attempt earlier today. The Secretary-General sent a personal message to Mr. Al-Zubai, offering his condolences for those who were killed and injured in the attack and wishing him a full and speedy recovery from his injuries.

The Secretary-General greatly valued the opportunity to meet with Mr. Al-Zubai yesterday to hear his views on the current situation in Iraq. He reiterates his admiration for the Deputy Prime Minister's readiness to serve Iraq at a great personal risk.